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Larry Josie's poppy truck is even more patriotic now, thanks to the addition of the Patriot APU, donated by Simplicity Air.

ANCASTER, Ont. — Simplicity Air and its sister company Canadian Extreme Climate Systems, have donated and installed an auxiliary power unit (APU) on Larry Josie’s popular ‘poppy truck.’

Josie’s poppy truck, a moving tribute to Canada’s fallen soldiers, has been busy attending events over the past year. Josie, in addition to earning a living as an owner/operator, has been paying for the fuel to attend industry events out of pocket.

Simplicity Air, which specializes in providing climate control systems including the Patriot APU manufactured by Canadian Extreme Climate Systems, wanted to get involved after its owner Brian Bassindale read about the poppy truck in the November, 2007 issue of Truck News.

Bassindale and sales manager, John Cowan, contacted Josie to see how they could help him spread his message. They learned that the cost of fuel was a drain on Josie and decided they could help by providing an APU and reducing his need to idle. It seemed like a perfect fit, since their APU was called the “Patriot.”

“Everyone has someone they know that either is or have been in the Armed Forces and it is about time that some recognition from the public is portrayed on a moving billboard,” says Bassindale. “The part that amazed me was that Larry has been putting forth most of the effort himself by attending as many functions as possible and still trying to earn a living like every other truck owner.”

The APU was installed on the poppy truck in January, 2008 by Simplicity Air.

“I’ve really enjoyed the Patriot over this past year,” says a grateful Josie. “It has been very reliable for heating, air-conditioning and 110-volt power. What I like most is its simplicity. There are no fancy controls, just turn on and turn off.”

Bassindale adds, “We are proud to support Larry and the Poppy truck in his endeavor and hope that many other individuals will do the same.”

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